All Ice Is Not Created Equal, Especially At Henrys Lake!

HENRYS LAKE - We tend to lump all ice into one category. Cold, hard and slick! While this may be generally true, how and when ice forms can have a dramatic impact on its actual physical properties. These variations in ice can have serious implications when it comes to safety and water quality issues. This year, because of existing natural conditions and conditions soon to be created by the starting of man-made aerators placed in the lake, IDGF is warning everyone to stay off the ice at Henrys Lake, no matter how sound it may appear! According to Henrys Lake Hatchery Manager Damon Keen, "Even though the ice came on three weeks later than usual it was immediately covered by snow. This prevented the sunlight from supercharging oxygen in the lake water from the ice." This blanket of snow also created an insulating layer that caused a weakening in the ice. The event on the first of December involving 28 elk breaking through the ice on the lake proves how unstable things are this year. In the early Ô90's, concerns over winter die-off caused by lack of oxygen prompted IDFG to install a system to aerate the lake. The purpose of the aerators was to create areas of open water so that natural mixing of oxygen could occur. According to Keen, "Because of the equipment involved, it costs about $10,000 to operate the system." A series of mild winters kept part of the lake open, resulting in a cost savings for the IDFG. "Because the purpose of the aeration system is to open up the ice, the already existing natural ice will become even more unstable!" said Keen. Winter outdoor enthusiasts are cautioned that they should never take ice conditions for granted. Ice that was stable one day, may be horribly unsafe the next. For more information about winter ice safety, contact the regional IDFG office at 525-7290.